“It is not enough for a great nation merely to have added new years to life — our objective must also be to add new life to those years.”
— John F. Kennedy, U.S. President
Add New Life to Your Years
It's often said that youth is wasted on the young. But living a good life shouldn't end at a certain age. The groups listed below can open doors for hundreds of ways to connect with people, stay healthy, learn, grow and enrich your life.
Docent opportunities
The University of Arizona offers a variety of docent opportunities across its various programs, colleges and institutions. Docents volunteer their time and passion and typically train to share their knowledge with visitors. Help provide positive and engaging experiences across the University of Arizona campus!
Arizona State Museum
ASM docents lead tours of the museum’s permanent and temporary exhibits and provide structured and casual experiences for diverse visitors. Docents also greet museum visitors, assist at public programs and lead activities at family programs. Community members are welcomed to be docents and they will complete a term-long training course for a nominal fee.
Poetry Center
Poetry Center docents provide groups, institutions and individuals with a positive and engaging introduction to the Poetry Center as a living archive. Docents encourage a love of language and advance a positive perception of poetry. Job responsibilities include planning, leading and assisting with poetry discussion groups, leading building tours, staffing informational booths, overseeing the Poetry Center front desk on select Saturdays and other responsibilities.
Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research
Docents are volunteer educators that are trained to work with a variety of audiences. They work at the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research with visitors of all ages, helping them learn about dendrochronology and the interdisciplinary research taking place at the Laboratory. Docents must be 18 years of age or older and must attend at least one of the training sessions offered throughout the year. Docents should be willing to commit to volunteering for at least 6 hours per semester, for at least one year after training is completed.
Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum
The Docent Program is the human vehicle of the museum’s intended tour experience. This program prepares docents to deliver an experience that reflects the world-class quality presentation of the Museum Showcase. Being in the heart of downtown Tucson allows docents to work directly with the local community, while the museum’s content brings together an international network across Gem and Mineral industries. The Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum’s decorum and training will reflect the priorities of both audiences and will be constantly evolving with feedback they receive.
Volunteer opportunities
The University of Arizona welcomes older adults to volunteer within their organizations! The university offers many opportunities to devote your time to a cause that matters to you, build community and make a difference.
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension offers volunteers a variety of opportunities within their organization. The extension’s mission is "making science useful." Volunteer opportunities include Campus Arboretum, The Garden Kitchen, STEM Education, Tucson Village Farm and more.
The Coit Museum of Pharmacy & Health Sciences is home to one of the world’s leading pharmacy collections, offering a unique visitor experience. Interested volunteers will fill out an interest form, and the museum director will contact you when a volunteer opportunity becomes available. Prospective volunteers will need to meet with the director prior to their first day for training.
The University of Arizona’s Campus Pantry welcomes any UA community member or organization to volunteer their time! The goal of the pantry is to reduce food insecurity in the Wildcat Community. At their distribution events, students and staff can grab important food staples at no cost. Volunteers assist with Pantry operations, fundraising, advertising and more! There are no group opportunities available and volunteering requires a commitment of one month.
The Sonoran Center engages in a wide variety of projects and initiatives with the goal of increasing independence and community participation by people with disabilities and their families. Community members and students from any discipline have opportunities to take part in the work of our center such as working with community-based programs with Center faculty and staff, assisting and conducting research and developing skills and expertise in the disability field through innovative projects.
Discover the captivating world of Arizona's past and make a difference by volunteering with the Arizona Historical Society! Join their mission to strengthen Arizona's communities by fostering a deep appreciation for history through leadership, collaboration and academic endeavors. Since its establishment in 1864, the Arizona Historical Society has been dedicated to connecting individuals through the profound narratives of Arizona's vibrant history. Each location boasts an extensive and extraordinary collection of historical artifacts and captivating exhibitions, unveiling the diverse cultural tapestry and significant events that have shaped Arizona's captivating history.
The Mount Lemmon SkyCenter depends on a dedicated group of volunteers who help organize public programs on Mount Lemmon and participate in outreach events in the Tucson community. If you're interested in volunteering at the SkyCenter, please contact them at 520-626-8122 for more information.
Flandrau provides diverse educational opportunities and resources for all ages. From our Skywatcher's Guide for backyard astronomy to Home Resources and our YouTube series Science Snacks explaining black holes, there's something for everyone. Please note Flandrau’s Telescope Operator Program is the only volunteer opportunity available at this time.
Arizona Arts Live’s mission is to promote Tucson's artistic talents globally and establish the city as an arts hotspot. By showcasing Tucson’s artistic talents, hosting global acts and combining academic programs with popular offerings from Arizona Arts Live, Arizona Arts in Schools, Center of Creative Photography and the Museum of Art, they aim to make the arts accessible to all and provide exciting artistic experiences. To become a volunteer, complete the form on their website to give back and be a part of the community!
The University of Arizona's Parent & Family Programs office is a valuable resource to keep parents connected, informed and supported throughout a Wildcat’s time on campus. Through inclusive programming, the program promotes engagement, awareness and academic achievement for Wildcat families. If you're interested in volunteering with the University of Arizona Parent and Family Association, please complete the questionnaire within their website to match with suitable volunteer opportunities. For any questions or concerns, reach out to the Office of Parent & Family Programs at (520) 621-0884 or UArizonaFamily@arizona.edu.
Every year, the University of Arizona Homecoming brings together alumni, students and community members to honor cherished traditions that embody the university's mission. It's a special event that welcomes back former students and unites the university community in celebration! The UArizona invites individuals to join in the Spirit of Wonder Homecoming events through volunteering. Those who are interested can fill out a form on their website to indicate availability and preferences.
MESA events showcase designs by youth from multiple schools. Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring fair testing, meeting specifications and providing a safe environment. Currently, volunteers are needed for MESA Day at Grand Canyon University on May 6, 2023. To register, please complete the volunteer form on their website. Additional opportunities include presenting at professional development training, organizing competition events, planning on-campus activities or field trips and being a guest speaker at MESA meetings.
DELEP has a volunteer program that welcomes individuals from various backgrounds, including retired UA faculty members and nature enthusiasts. Volunteers gather at DELEP's headquarters on the second Wednesday of each month from September to May, assisting with seed processing and other projects. Over the years, volunteers have engaged in seed collecting expeditions, research, field maintenance, greenhouse plant propagation, office tasks and more. Light refreshments are provided and engaging conversations are guaranteed. For more details, please reach out to Ken Coppola at kcoppola@ag.arizona.edu.
The "Monday Crew," comprised of dedicated volunteers, plays a crucial role in supporting the operations of the AMMNRE Museum. The museum relies on these volunteers to assist with a range of essential tasks during its development. There is no requirement for prior knowledge or expertise in mining, minerals or natural resources to contribute as a volunteer. Opportunities to volunteer are communicated via email as they arise and are posted based on the museum's current needs.